Football: Pamlico’s Simmons working hard under center

Pamlico rising junior Josiah Simmons drops back to pass during the Hurricanes’ 7-on-7 passing league game at Havelock on Thursday. Simmons is projected to begin the season at Pamlico’s starting quarterback.

Photo by Adam Thompson/Sun Journal Staff

By Adam Thompson, Sports Editor

Published: Thursday, June 26, 2014 at 06:20 PM.

HAVELOCK | Josiah Simmons didn’t make his debut at quarterback until late October last season.

All he did as a backup was lead the Pamlico Hurricanes to four-straight wins, including two playoff victories.

Pamlico’s rising junior enters the new season as the projected starting quarterback, taking over for NaQuan Gibbs. He has a full offseason to get ready for his expanded role.

“It’s a blessing to be the No. 1 quarterback to start the season,” Simmons said. “I want to try to make everybody better and help Pamlico win a ring.”

Simmons connected on touchdown passes to Cameron Moore and Juwaan Coffey at Thursday’s 7-on-7 passing scrimmage at Havelock. He found receivers short and made the deep completions, mixed in with a couple interceptions.

With next week being a dead period among high school football teams, Simmons will throw at one more 7-on-7 – against Washington on July 10 – before official practices begin in August.

HAVELOCK | Josiah Simmons didn’t make his debut at quarterback until late October last season.

All he did as a backup was lead the Pamlico Hurricanes to four-straight wins, including two playoff victories.

Pamlico’s rising junior enters the new season as the projected starting quarterback, taking over for NaQuan Gibbs. He has a full offseason to get ready for his expanded role.

“It’s a blessing to be the No. 1 quarterback to start the season,” Simmons said. “I want to try to make everybody better and help Pamlico win a ring.”

Simmons connected on touchdown passes to Cameron Moore and Juwaan Coffey at Thursday’s 7-on-7 passing scrimmage at Havelock. He found receivers short and made the deep completions, mixed in with a couple interceptions.

With next week being a dead period among high school football teams, Simmons will throw at one more 7-on-7 – against Washington on July 10 – before official practices begin in August.

As a sophomore, he passed for 551 yards and eight touchdowns, despite throwing eight interceptions. Simmons ran for 487 yards and six scores.

As a defensive back, he recorded 37 tackles and two interceptions.

“My potential is to do what’s best and try my hardest, and see what I can do,” Simmons said. “I know my coaches and teammates are expecting a lot from me. I’m going to have to step up and be a leader.”

Simmons said he’s spent the offseason working with head coach Kevin Yost, and trying to improve on his timing and accuracy.

It’s a process, but Simmons believes he is improving each week.

“Since my head coach has been working with me, I’ve been getting my throws on point and getting them on time,” he said.

Simmons will have the luxury of throwing to a talented receiving corps, which includes Moore, Coffey, Treyvon Respers and Quante Lewis.

He still has two more seasons to lead Pamlico’s offense.

“Having two more years, that’s a lot of time. I have to work hard and lead this team,” Simmons said.

Adam Thompson can be contacted at 252-635-5669. Follow Adam on Twitter @Adam_matic.